One of the most important — and complicated— sections of the UTLA-LAUSD contract is Article IX-A, which covers the matrix and uniform staffing procedures for K-12 schools. Here’s a guide to some of the major elements. Also see the Chapter Checklist for 2024.
The Elementary Matrix
Basic principles: Seniority is one of two equal factors (along with educational program needs) that the principal is required to consider in assigning grade assignments. If anyone believes that the assignment was not made properly, they have three days to initiate the Dispute Resolution Procedure to contest the principal’s assignment.
Key contractual language: “The site administrator shall assign such permanent teachers who are otherwise qualified to the track and grade level openings available to permanent teachers on the basis of District seniority. The only exception shall occur when the site administrator reasonably determines that any specific assignment is not in the best interests of the educational program…. The site administrator shall assign all teachers at these sites to classes.” (Article IX-A, Section 2.0c)
The Secondary Matrix
Basic principles: Seniority is one of two equal factors (along with educational program needs) that the principal is required to consider in assigning classes. If anyone believes that the assignment was not made properly, they have three days to initiate the Dispute Resolution Procedure to contest the principal’s assignment.
Key contractual language: “Classes within a department shall be distributed by the principal (or designee) in consultation with the elected department chairs, in a fair and equitable manner, taking into account seniority and educational program needs.” (Article IX-A, Section 2.0d)
Three Methods to Fill out the Matrix
Chapter chairs must help determine which method is used to sign the matrix. There are three typical types, although schools can use any method agreed to by the members, the chapter chair, and the principal.
What Is the Dispute Resolution Procedure?
When certain disputes arise related to assignments to class, track and/or coordinator positions, the affected teacher may invoke the Dispute Resolution Procedure found in Article V-A of the contract.
The process follows the “three-day” rule: Teachers have three days to start the Dispute Resolution process by requesting an informal conference with the site administrator, and administrators have three days to hold that informal conference. The complete steps of the Dispute Resolution Procedure are listed in Article V-A of the contract.
The Dispute Resolution Procedure is only for permanent teachers and their assignments, coordinators, and five-year out-of-classroom assignments. The Dispute Resolution Procedure is not for leadership assignments, athletic assignments, or grievance procedures.
Suggested Time Sequence for Staffing Procedures
